Online Safety at Longlands
Keeping children safe online is a key part of our safeguarding commitment. We recognise the importance of helping pupils develop the knowledge and skills they need to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.
Online safety is taught as part of our curriculum and embedded across all areas of school life. Children learn how to recognise risks, make safe choices and behave respectfully online. We follow national guidance including the Department for Education’s Teaching Online Safety in Schools and Keeping Children Safe in Education, which recommend a whole-school approach to online safety, covering the four key areas known as the 4 Cs:
- Content: being exposed to harmful material
- Contact: being subjected to harmful interaction
- Conduct: personal online behaviour that increases risk
- Commerce: risks from online advertising, scams and financial exploitation
We have robust filtering and monitoring systems in place to protect children while using school devices and networks. These systems are regularly reviewed and managed by our Designated Safeguarding Lead and technical team, in line with best practice guidance.
Any online safety incidents are recorded and managed in accordance with our safeguarding policies. We also use age-appropriate versions of our acceptable use agreements to ensure children understand expectations around technology use.
Working Together with Families
We know that children’s online lives extend beyond the classroom, and that the most effective way to keep them safe is through strong partnership between school and home. We encourage parents and carers to talk regularly with their children about their online experiences, and to set clear boundaries and expectations for safe behaviour.
By working together, we can help children build the confidence to speak up if something worries them online and ensure they know where to go for help.
If you would like support or advice on managing online safety at home, please speak to a member of staff or explore the resources below.
Useful Links
Childnet International
A not-for-profit organisation working directly with children, parents and teachers to ensure that the issues of online child protection and children’s safe and positive use of the internet are addressed. Childnet International produce an online CD guide specifically for parents.
Thinkuknow
The Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre has set up its own educational website which has been designed and written specifically for children, young people, teachers, parents and carers.
CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection)
www.ceop.police.uk/safety-centre
This one-stop link provides children and young people with advice, and a way to report serious problems.
UK Safer Internet Centre
Insafe is a European network of Awareness Centres promoting safe, responsible use of the internet and mobile devices to young people.
Get Safe Online
This website provides a beginner’s guide to using the Internet safety, including a quiz and some video tutorials about how to ‘stay safe’ on-line.
Kidsmart
www.childnet.com/resources/looking-for-kidsmart
Kidsmart is an award-winning internet safety website for parents and those working with children. It has been developed by the children’s internet charity Childnet International and has excellent information on many of the technologies used by children, with guidance on how to ‘stay safe’ online.
Cybersmile
The Cybersmile Foundation is the UK’s first dedicated cyberbullying charity. They offer practical help, support and advice for anybody affected by cyberbullying and online hate campaigns.
BullyingUK
One in five young people have experienced bullying by text message or via email. This web site gives advice for children and parents on bullying.
YouTube Kids
The YouTube Kids app can be downloaded and filters a selection of videos and channels that are appropriate for children.
NSPCC
www.nspcc.org.uk/preventing-abuse/keeping-children-safe/online-safety
Online safety resources and information for parents.
BBC Bitesize
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/search?q=safety+online&page=1
Resources to help develop children’s understanding of how to stay safe online.
If you would like help accessing any of these resources or have concerns about your child’s online safety, please contact the school office. We are here to support you.